Office Fit Out
The way in which traditional offices work has evolved and changed over the years. More research has been carried out into the idea that office environments have significant impacts on our health, wellbeing and productivity. Employers are realising that by evaluating their current office setup, and making changes where necessary, they can actually boost the happiness of their employees and in turn, boost their work efficiency.
We’ve already highlighted how simple environmental changes can improve workplace productivity and happiness, but new ways of working have also emerged that make the concept of traditional office setups quite outdated.
Here are just a few ways employers can bring their office spaces up to date:
Activity Based Working (ABW)
Activity based working is the concept of using different settings for different tasks around the office. Offices are usually open plan and made up of a variety of alternative workspaces that people can choose from. These can include things such as huddle spaces, quiet rooms, collaboration booths, meeting spaces or breakout areas. Employees can then choose the workspace which they find most suitable for the task at hand. Businesses that have embraced activity based working report an increase in productivity as it gives their employees more autonomy over their working day.
Agile/Hot Desk Working
Agile working delivers maximum flexibility in the way staff are allowed to work. Agile working environments allow employees to work wherever they like: at a traditional desk, a standing desk, breakroom or even off-site! It’s shown to increase job satisfaction within employees. It also means employers need less floor space which can reduce operational costs. Hot desk working is often used in conjunction with agile working. This is where employers are not assigned a desk in the office and can work at different stations each day. It’s particularly useful for offices where flexitime is provided and all staff are not required to be in the office at the same time. It’s said to boost staff engagement and reduce the number of empty desks.
Catering to Multigenerational Workforces
Millennials make up most of the staff in the workplace but with people retiring later, the workforce is also growing older. It’s important for employers to provide office spaces that cater to a multigenerational workforce. Variety is key. Different environments will be required to cater to different working styles. It will be necessary for employers to provide quiet retreats where employees can concentrate but also spaces to promote social interaction. Segregating younger and older workers can also be a cause of tension so office spaces should promote collaborative working. Activity based working, agile and hot desking can all help to achieve this.
How Hoardfast allows employers to easily update their office space
The thought of carrying out office refurbishments to bring work environments up to date can be quite overwhelming for employers as shutting down the office to do an office fit out can often be out of the question. However, with the help of Hoardfast, refurbishments can be carried out whilst every day work continues. By using Westgate’s Hoardfast range, employees are shielded from the refurbishment works going on. But the benefits don’t stop there.
Hoardfast panels can be supplied as a free standing screen or as a floor to ceiling dust tight seal. However, whichever you choose, the panels can be easily erected and relocated as phased work progresses.
To reduce noise disruption whilst work is carried out, the noise isolating Soundscreen can be supplied and is perfect for people working in busy areas such as offices.
Additionally, as refurbishment work can often look unsightly, Hoardfast conceals any mess and provides a clean finish for a professional environment. The panels can also be branded with company logos.To find out more about Hoardfast internal site hoarding and how it can benefit your office fit out, contact us at Westgate 01785 242181 / salesteam@westgateuk.co.uk.